Anthropometrics Impact Army Combat Fitness Test Performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets

Abstract

Introduction Fitness is a vital component in military success. The Army is in the process of implementing a new assessment for soldier fitness, the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Success on the assessment is a major factor in job assignments and promotional opportunities. This generates questions related to modifiable (i.e., fitness and body composition) and non-modifiable (i.e., limb length and testing equipment) factors impacting performance. Currently, anthropometrics differences in ACFT performance have not been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of anthropometrics on ACFT performance in Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets. Materials and Methods Anthropometric measures and ACFT scores were collected from Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets (n = 105, age: 20.4 ± 2.4 years, body mass index: 25.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2, and M/F = 84/21). All ACFT events were evaluated by certified graders. Measurement locations were based on established anthropometric assessment standards and previous research (hand, lower arm, upper arm, upper leg, lower leg, and torso lengths). The study was approved by the Auburn University Institutional Review Board (protocol code #21-410). Results There were weak correlations between hand length and three-repetition maximum deadlift [0.393; P ≤ .001], standing power throw [0.399; P ≤ .001], sprint-drag-carry [−0.315; P = .002], and ACFT score [0.212; P = .035]. The lower leg had weak correlations with standing power throw [0.249; P = .013], sprint-drag-carry [−0.215; P = .033], and ACFT score [0.213; P = .034]. Hand and lower leg length impacted individual event performances when comparing shortest and longest limb lengths [all P values <.05]. Conclusions Hand and lower leg length significantly impact ACFT performance. These results present practical information to individuals responsible for developing protocols and scoring for the ACFT. Reassessment of events and the equipment utilized are warranted to assure that event performance is not hindered by a non-modifiable factor that is not representative of fitness or occupational demands. Future work should investigate how different trap-bar and kettlebell handle sizes, as well as medicine ball sizes, impact performance on the ACFT.

A Research Note Investigating the Leg Tuck and Plank With Potential Impacts for Occupational Testing

“…Subjects were instructed how to perform the leg tuck and plank and allowed a familiarization period (24). The leg tuck was attempted 3 minutes after this familiarization period (24) and performed outdoors on a bar used by the university Reserve Officers' Training Corps using U.S. Army procedures (1). As described by Lockie et al (17), the subject hung from a pull-up bar with an alternated grip and their arms straight.…”